Shots Fired by Woman Inside Police Station Protective Glass Saves Everyone
Bristol, Connecticut — On the evening of October 5, 2023, the Bristol Police Department experienced an unexpected and tense confrontation that could have turned into a deadly tragedy if not for a combination of protective infrastructure and disciplined law enforcement response.
At approximately 10:30 p.m., a woman — later identified as 51-year-old Suzanne Laprise, a local resident — entered the public lobby of the station carrying a firearm. In a sudden and alarming turn of events, she discharged multiple rounds toward the reception area. Thankfully, the police station had been equipped with bullet-resistant glass, which completely prevented the shots from causing harm to officers or civilians.
By the end of the incident, no physical injuries were reported. What could have been a devastating headline instead became an example of how modern safety measures and officer restraint can avert disaster.
How the Incident Unfolded
The public lobby of the Bristol Police Department is separated from the secured areas of the station by reinforced glass panels designed to resist both impacts and ballistic threats. According to the official police report, Laprise entered this space and began striking and firing at the windows and doors leading into the main station area.
Witnesses and surveillance footage later confirmed that the rounds were stopped entirely by the protective barrier. Officers inside the secured portion of the station were alerted immediately, and responding units moved toward the lobby to assess the situation.
Despite the tense environment, the barrier meant that officers had a degree of protection as they tried to communicate and manage the unfolding events.
Officer Response
Among the first responders on the scene was Officer Spencer Boisvert, who approached the lobby from the secure side. According to court records, Laprise allegedly continued to fire from behind the protective glass when officers arrived.
In response, Officer Boisvert discharged his firearm twice toward the suspect in an attempt to stop the immediate threat. However, both his shots and Laprise’s earlier rounds were absorbed by the bulletproof glass, leaving all parties physically unharmed.
The standoff shifted when Laprise placed her weapon on the floor for a brief moment. Recognizing the opportunity to act without escalating the situation further, officers quickly entered the lobby. Instead of using deadly force, they deployed a conducted energy device (commonly referred to as a Taser), which allowed them to subdue and detain her safely.
Understanding the Motive
While the incident shocked many in the Bristol community, later court proceedings shed light on some of the personal struggles Laprise had been facing. According to court testimony and public records, she had been dealing with symptoms of depression and feelings of being trapped or without options.
Investigators revealed that earlier that evening, Laprise had allegedly spoken to a patron at a local bar and expressed intentions to provoke a confrontation with the police. These statements, which were later entered into court records, suggested that she had been in a mental health crisis.
Authorities stressed that while her actions were dangerous and unlawful, the situation also reflected a deeper public health challenge: the need for accessible and effective mental health support for individuals before crises reach this stage.
The Legal Outcome
In February 2025, after months of legal proceedings, Laprise entered a guilty plea to attempted first-degree assault as part of a negotiated plea agreement. The deal allowed for a reduced set of charges while still recognizing the seriousness of her actions.
On April 8, 2025, a judge sentenced her to 12 years in prison, followed by five years of probation. The conditions of her probation are extensive, reflecting both public safety concerns and the need for rehabilitation:
She is prohibited from possessing or owning any firearms or other weapons.
She must participate in mental health treatment programs approved by the court.
She is required to undergo substance abuse treatment if recommended by her care providers.
She will take part in ongoing intensive therapy for the duration of her probation.
The judge, in announcing the sentence, emphasized that the combination of bulletproof glass and measured police response prevented what could have been a far more serious and tragic situation.
Protective Infrastructure Saves Lives
This incident is a clear example of why bullet-resistant barriers have become a standard security feature in many public buildings, especially law enforcement facilities.
Bulletproof glass — more accurately called bullet-resistant glass — is made from multiple layers of laminated polycarbonate or glass materials. These layers absorb and disperse the energy of a bullet, preventing penetration. While no material is truly “bulletproof” under every condition, these barriers can withstand the types of firearms and ammunition most likely to be encountered in real-world incidents.
In this case, the barrier not only stopped incoming rounds but also prevented outgoing shots from harming the suspect, creating a double layer of protection that preserved lives on both sides.
Officer Restraint as a Model for De-escalation
The Bristol Police Department’s handling of this incident has been praised by both local officials and policing experts. In situations where an armed suspect is actively firing, officers are often legally justified in using deadly force. However, the use of a less-lethal Taser in this case — made possible by a brief moment when the suspect put down her weapon — showed a commitment to preserving life wherever possible.
This approach aligns with modern policing principles that emphasize de-escalation tactics and the minimal necessary use of force. The decision to wait for the right moment, rather than rush into a potentially lethal exchange, likely contributed to the peaceful resolution of the standoff.
Mental Health and Crisis Intervention
The underlying details revealed in court point to another critical issue: the intersection of mental health crises and law enforcement.
When individuals in emotional distress act out in dangerous ways, police officers are often the first responders. Without proper resources or intervention programs, these encounters can escalate quickly, sometimes ending tragically.
The Bristol incident stands out because, despite the danger, no lives were lost. However, it also underscores the importance of preventive measures, such as:
Increased funding for local mental health crisis units.
Community-based counseling programs that can intervene before situations escalate.
Public awareness campaigns that encourage individuals to seek help early.
Community Impact
For Bristol, this event struck an emotional chord. Less than a year earlier, in October 2022, two Bristol police officers were killed in an ambush — an incident that left deep scars on the department and the community at large.
Against that backdrop, the 2023 confrontation could have reopened those wounds. However, the fact that it ended without fatalities provided a measure of relief and a reminder that safety measures and training can make a difference.
Community members expressed a mix of shock and gratitude — shock that such an incident had occurred, and gratitude that it ended without the loss of life.
Lessons for the Future
The Bristol Police Department incident offers several lessons that extend beyond the city itself:
Infrastructure matters. Physical safety features such as bullet-resistant barriers are not just theoretical protections; they can directly save lives in real incidents.
Training makes the difference. Officers who are trained to recognize opportunities for de-escalation can resolve dangerous situations without unnecessary harm.
Mental health support is critical. Addressing the root causes of crises before they turn into public safety emergencies must be a priority for both policymakers and communities.
Public transparency builds trust. By releasing accurate information about the incident and its resolution, the department reinforced public confidence in its handling of tense situations.
A Case That Could Have Ended Very Differently
While the October 5, 2023, events in Bristol could have easily become another tragic chapter in the city’s history, they instead stand as an example of how preparation, training, and a commitment to safety can protect both the public and law enforcement officers.
The reinforced glass stopped every bullet. The officers avoided rushing into a potentially deadly confrontation. And when the opportunity presented itself, they used a non-lethal method to bring the suspect into custody.
Ultimately, this case serves as a reminder that safety is built on layers — physical protections, procedural training, and community support — all working together to prevent harm.